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America's liquor cabinet already stocks quite a few national treasures. Jack Daniels, Wild Turkey, Southern Comfort and Jim Beam all proudly wave the flag. So it's weird to see a new brand, Redcliff, proudly proclaim itself "America's liqueur" on the label. It's hard to imagine packing more American influences into a product. The tombstone-shaped, oversized hip-flask of a bottle has a cathedral-like windowpane displaying a Southwestern desert scene -- with lots of orange and red -- in what can only be described as New Mexico-style art.
The folks behind Redcliff cultivate a secret recipe allure -- the back label alludes to 15 ingredients blended to "capture a flavor that is truly American." That flavor turns out to be cola -- a very American contribution to the world, indeed. Redcliff's aroma recalls those artificially flavored gummy cola candies, shaped like a Coke bottle. Initially, it's sweet and pungent -- imagine a blend of cinnamon, orange, cough syrup, whiskey and rum. The finish suggests there might be vanilla in there. On the rocks, and slightly diluted, it has a pleasant warm flavor and not too much bite at 32 percent alcohol (64 proof). Try it in a Manhattan or, better yet, with Coke, for a truly American experience.
-- James Oliver Cury
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